This has probably been covered to exhaustion here but the search feature on the mobile phone version of the forum doesn't seem to work all that well so I figured I'd ask again.
I have the a 1992 Volvo 240 Automatic with Overdrive.
The hard plastic console around the base of my shift lever is gone. I found a replacement at the Pick-a-part today and I'm going to put it on mine.
Issue is getting the top of the shift lever off. At the Pick-a-part I grabbed the top of the lever and gave it a firm twist and pull. The lever and top part came apart in my hand. The plastic Chrome sleeve that fits over the lever broke, the top button cracked and a spring came out... I got the part I wanted (the plastic console around the boot of it) but I don't want to use the same technique and chance eff'n up my shift lever. Any suggestions PLEASE?

 

carefully slit the front facing side of the new bezel, between the two mounting screws, and slip it over the shaft, then screw it down.... at least, thats what I'm going to do when I get around to installing the one I got for our 240...

 

There has got to be a better way. These things seem pretty rare in tan and black. Cutting it seems somehow wrong.

 

this is whats under there...
http://hogranch.com/files/Bitmaps/shifter-240.jpg

have fun! afaik, you need to get at it from the bottom, and with the tranny and drive axle installed, its a SOB. the overdrive switch makes it extra evil. I'm planning on using a hot wire to make a clean cut in the plastic and since that will be on the side facing the ashtray/dashboard, it will pretty much be totally invisible.